Notes From KCI

Just got back from practice and have notebook full of interesting tidbits. Here they are, in no particular order:

Brian Sutherby, out with severely bruised right thumb (it's actually compartment syndrome), had the wound stitched up on Thursday, but hasn't been able to skate because of the fear of infection. He could miss the rest of the season.

Reebok outfitted the whole team with the new form-fitting uniform "system" (jerseys and socks) the league is switching to next year. The guys looked much smaller, especially the guys who are already small to begin with. The uniforms were just plain colors, not the red, white and blue the Caps will be switching to next year.

Although the official rosters haven't been announced, here are the players who will be playing in the World Championships next month: Milan Jurcina (Slovakia), Brian Pothier and Chris Clark (USA), Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin (Russia), Nicklas Backstrom (Sweden). Goalie Brent Johnson still could represent the USA; Ben Clymer would have but he's having surgery on Friday for his abdominal injury.

Steve Eminger (concussion) did not skate, but might begin light workouts tomorrow.

And, oh yeah, Bryan Muir and Semin got into a fight. Punches and equipment went flying after Muir checked Semin during a five on five drill. Neither was hurt. Ironically, enforer Donald Brashear was the one who broke it up.

I'm planning to write about the pros and cons of having so many guys go to Worlds for tomorrow's paper.